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Life Coaching Has Endless Possibilities

Article by Michelle LaLiberte

In order to have passion and purpose in your job it is important to know what type of work or job position will make you happy. Unfortunately, that is not as easy as it may seem to figure out on your own. Many of us are looking for fresh starts involving career or just positive life changes so that you can find your purpose.

This is when a life coach can be helpful. A life coach is a business professional that addresses specific personal projects, business successes, general conditions and transitions in a person’s life, relationships or profession by examining what is going on right now. They help discover what your obstacles or challenges might be, and will help you choose a course of action to make your life be what you want it to be. Life coaches can also specialize in different areas such as time management, finances, spirit guidance, marriage, fitness goals and of course career guidance.

According to Anne Wondra, who has been working as a life coach/spirit worker for 12 years with a background in human resources, wellness, women’s studies, religious studies, and business, “We are so much more powerful on our own behalf when we don’t feel so alone, especially women. A personal renaissance or life change or decision to live a more conscious and meaningful life takes one into unfamiliar places—internally and sometimes externally also. To have a trusted confidant, coach, consultant, an empowering positive presence, is powerful…and makes the process a lot more dynamic. There’s a synergy that’s created.”

Cathy Posner, a life coach who has been providing career and transition coaching for almost 8 years and has also worked as a consultant with nonprofit organizations in areas of strategic development which often included aspects of coaching, says “A coach acts as a partner, motivator, cheerleader and support system on your journey. They are able to see the issues more objectively and help you to do the same. A good coach will be well plugged-in to resources that can enhance whatever issue you are working on.”

If you are considering hiring a life coach, here are some pointers from Anne and Cathy for selecting the proper coach.

1. Check their website and background. Were they referred by someone you know?
2. Do they have experience or background in the area you need them for? Are they a specialist or a generalist?
3. Google them and find out more.
4. Do you get a good feeling about working with them? A good personality fit is critical. Ideally, the coach will offer some kind of trial appointment so you can see if this relationship will work.
5. A good coach “meets you where you are.” They will be able to understand your issue and the pace you want to take in working through your issue.
6. A good coach should also stretch and gently challenge you, helping you discover ways of seeing or dealing with the issue that you hadn’t seen before.
7. A good coach is “custom fit” not “one size fits all.”

You are the only expert in your entire life who truly knows who you are and what you need. You are the only expert who can recognize what is absolutely best for you. Life coaches are simply experts in the coaching process. As your coach, they will help you discover what your own personal best might be.

Every day we make choices. These choices may range from profound to trivial and each one has an effect that can make our lives more fulfilling and balanced. However these decisions can also have the opposite effect in our lives if we make the wrong choices. Life coaching helps you learn how to make choices that create an effective, balanced and fulfilling life.